Happy Thanksukkah *Open Thread*

Or is that Happy Hanugiving? Or is it “Thanksgivukkah,” as denoted in a WSJ article? Regardless, this is a unique combination of two beloved holidays, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. This particular combination has happened only once before in our history, way back in 1888. You sure better enjoy it this time around because I seriously doubt you’ll be around for the next one. It won’t be for another 70,000+ years! So, pull out the ol’ Menorah, make some Latke stuffing, have a Dreidel Centerpiece, because this is absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime event!

Of course, people being people, they can always find just a bit of humor in such a convergence, as well as a money-making venture as this article highlights:

[…] While Hanukkah, which commemorates a Jewish military victory over Greek forces in the second century B.C. and the miracle of a day’s worth of lamp oil lasting for eight, is technically a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, it has become increasingly prominent in the past century as part of the broader seasonal push.

A few see commercial opportunities in Thanksgivukkah as well. Dana Gitell, a community specialist with Boston-based elder-care provider Hebrew SeniorLife, has started a Thanksgivukkah Facebook page and is promoting a line of Thanksgivukkah commemorative items, including a T-shirt done in a Woodstock rock-festival motif with the catchphrase “8 Days of Light, Liberty and Latkes.” (Latkes are the potato pancakes typically served throughout Hanukkah.)

Not to be outdone is Asher Weintraub, a 9-year-old New Yorker who has created what he dubs the Menurkey—a menorah, the candelabrum that is the centerpiece of the holiday, in the shape of a turkey. With help from his filmmaker parents, Asher funded his project with a successful $25,000 campaign on Kickstarter, a fundraising website, over the summer (it netted $48,345). The family is now hoping to sell as many as 2,500 of his creation in versions both ceramic (for $150) and plaster ($50).

The Weintraubs are also expanding on the concept in other ways, from a Menurkey iPhone app to a Menurkey theme song. Sample lyric: “Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, come light the Menurkey. Once in a lifetime, the candles meet the turkey.” […] (Click here to read the rest.)

I like that – “8 Days of Light, Liberty, and Latkes” – it has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

In any event, no matter if you celebrate either or both, I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving this year, one filled with love, kindness, grace, and good humor. May you be surrounded by family, be it blood, or chosen, may you have a sufficient amount of food to share for all who come to your table, and may you remember to count your blessings, not just on this day, but all days.

And of course, the holidays just aren’t complete without a musical interlude, of you ask me. This George Winston piece is appropriate for both holidays I think since it lends itself to some quiet, peaceful reflection, beauty, and joy:

Wherever you are, wherever you go, may you have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy Hanukkah to you as well! May your light burn bright today, and every day!

*Just a reminder that I am still out of the country. I will be back after December 1st. Feel free to continue to comment here, if you wish.

Hey Cindy…..and Honest Lawyer..Mostly…….I’m living in Austin now, and have been since July. I’ve been on an Odyssey of pain, loss, and struggle, three things I was hoping would descend on me long after my death, robbing them of their satisfaction, but I guess this was not to be the case. Anyway, I would love to meet up with ya’all whenever it’s convenient, it would be a hoot, I’m sure. And thanks for the warm welcome back!